Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Name: Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1 package (1 ounce) ranch dip mix; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese; 1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided; 1-1/2 cups chopped green onions; 1/4 cup minced chives; Assorted crackers, for serving

Total Time Prep/Total time: 20 min. + chilling

Yield 20 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Few party appetizers win as many cheers as a crispy, creamy bacon ranch cheese ball.

Ingredients

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 package (1 ounce) ranch dip mix
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese
1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
1-1/2 cups chopped green onions
1/4 cup minced chives
Assorted crackers, for serving

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ranch dip mix on medium speed until smooth, 3-4 minutes. Stir in shredded cheese, 1/3 of the crumbled bacon, green onion and chives until well combined. Roll into a ball; roll into remaining crumbled bacon so it covers the outside of the cheese ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve on a platter with assorted crackers, as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 172 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.

I made this cheese ball for a football party a few years ago, thinking that bacon makes everything tastier. I had rave reviews from my friends, so I made it for a family get-together and my two little nephews couldn't get enough of the cheese ball. Now, every time I see them, they expect me to bring them this cheese ball—no matter the occasion. —Jodi Stefanik, Blacklick, Ohio

Recipe Creator